CITY BREAK OR RURAL GETAWAY

Explore the Algarve

The opportunities are endless when you hire a car on arrival in Faro. Explore Portugal’s breathtaking Algarve region – with its picturesque villages, spectacular beaches and unforgettable natural beauty. Cruise the coast – from Tavira to Sagres on an east to west tour.

With British Airways car hire in the Algarve, in partnership with Avis, you can explore the beautiful landscape of southern Portugal on your own terms. Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Cerro de Vila or travel to the westernmost point of Europe, Sagres. Go wine tasting in the northern vineyards above Portimão or eat delicious lunch in Lagos’s fisherman’s taverns. The Algarve offers something for everyone, so book a car and see it for yourself.

British Airways car hire, in partnership with Avis, includes all of the mandatory charges that you'll need to drive away your car in the Algarve.

Driving itineraries we recommend in the Algarve

Hire a car in Faro and explore the spectacular Algarve coastline

Lagos

Spend a day in Lagos, which is approximately an hour’s drive from Faro. Spend some time in the city centre – beautifully sculpted in traditional architecture – before heading off to long sandy beaches protected by the jutting cliffs. On the southern corner of the Bay of Lagos is Ponta da Piedade, a great place to admire the picturesque lighthouse. Or explore the fascinating grottos and rock formations. If you arrive early, venture to the harbour which is always full of fishing vessels and pleasure yachts coming and going.

Lisbon

Hire a car and see more of what Portugal has to offer, combine your trip to Faro and the Algarve with a few days in Lisbon. This capital city enjoys an unusual location, perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Tagus River. Spend some time getting to know this fantastic city, as you discover its unique mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture. You’ll be enchanted by the bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways and easy going charm.

Albufeira

Albufeira is situated just an hour’s drive from Faro and is well worth a visit. Known as the gateway to the Algarve, this once quaint fishing village is now a thriving resort – boasting lovely beaches and plenty of world-class bars and restaurants. Certain sections of the ‘old town’ still retain the essence of village life. Stroll along the pretty cobbled streets, take a dip in the ocean and relax on the beach, or admire the sugar-coloured apartments of the bustling marina.

Portimão

Portimão is the second biggest city in the Algarve and well-known for its fresh fish restaurants, with grilled sardines being the most famous dish. One of the most popular beaches in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha (Rocky Beach) is very close to Portimão and there are numerous others nearby. Just an hour’s drive from Faro, this popular Portuguese destination has a shopping district offering a wealth of stylish shops supplying clothes, jewellery and ornamental objects.

Silves

When Silves was the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves Castle served as an administrative base for the rest of the region and the castle itself flaunted this power. Whilst here, try Fevres de Porco (literally, secrets of pork) and complement it with a ‘Superbock’ Portuguese beer. Take a walk in the sunshine along the Arade River or explore the elegant central square Praça do Municipio. Alternatively, drop the car at Portimão and take a leisurely boat ride down the river to Silves.